Batum's inept play has held us back over the last couple weeks. In that three game losing streak, he was a major momentum killer, turning the ball and throwing up airballs. And even when he had a good game in Phoenix, he choked at the freethrow line. Last night against the Wizards was the best we've looked in a long time. And it wasn't just because Aldridge came back but that Batum was gone. Wright was way more effective.
So... Pfizer (or whomever) should've paid Przybilla's salary when he slipped in the tub? Oh yeah, Mark Cuban. Always the voice of reason. Poor, poor, penniless NBA. And besides, this isn't always true: the British team couldn't have Deng recently because they couldn't cover his insurance. Or... the insurance that you JUST MENTIONED. Do you know what insurance is? Do you know what a coward is? Do you understand the words coming out of your mouth?
he has played for France EVERY YEAR as opposed to most U.S. guys doing it once every 4 years, huge difference IMO
Wow! pretty tough crowd in here. Been calling for Batum to be shut down for 3-4 weeks now. The Blazers have known about this injury. They also have seen his play on the court. My problem is with the medical staff at this point. Why has this not been treated. Shut Batum down so he can play at a high level at the end of the season.
Other countries have a much smaller pool of top players to draw from, so that's only natural. Look, there's an argument to be made for not allowing NBA players to play for their national teams, but you have to be consistent. Ultimately, it comes down to whether you want to see more or less international players in the league. If the NBA didn't allow national team play, then we'd undoubtedly see fewer of them. Authoritarian countries wouldn't allow their players to sign in the NBA. No next Yao Ming or Sabonis. Players from other countries would be encouraged to play in Euro leagues so they would be available to play for their national team. No next Dirk for Cuban, no next Nic for us. No next Tony Parker or Manu...well, you get the idea.
Torn ligament in the shooting hand is not a heal and return. Thatt a lingering problem. Next in rotation. Next man up!
Batum's play while injured definitely hurt in a number of games. He should have been sitting and healing. But he manned up. It didn't help. That's on the coach and medical/training staff. Batum carried the Blazers in that game until he missed a single free throw late. Even if he'd made it the Blazers still likely lose that game. And wasn't it the very next game that Wes "choked " a late free throw that WOULD have sealed a win? I didn't see a single fan throw Wes under the bus.
Batum is hardly a coward.... Did you see that fall and how he tried to play a couple games after? I may not care for Batum, but calling him a coward is pretty stupid.
Nba owners have plenty of money. Just as the player has freedom to go play for his country the employer can not offer contracts if they think its a bad investment. And insurance covers injuries. This isn't a fucking slave market where million dollar slaves can only pick cotton for one massa. Batum is a good dude playing a game he loves, quit being dicks.
So he got injured playing basketball during the summer? What would you rather have him do during the summer? Lie in bed, like Brian Wilson did? He got hurt playing basketball (not riding a moped). He tried to play through it, rather than sitting on the bench, despite being in pretty obvious pain. I just don't see how any of that reflects badly on him. barfo
Totally agree barf. If anything, I'm wondering about the wisdom of the medical staff on this. If it was indeed bothering him in training camp from a summer injury, or was completely from the Dec fall, why didn't they take action? It seems Batum should have rested then or have been assessed thoroughly for potential surgery. Somebody dropped the ball. It has clearly been a problem for quite some time.
if batum had rode the bench to start the season you would all be calling him a wuss. i realize we are fans and we want to win but why does the fan base always have to hate one of the players? i mean babbit deserved the hate, but batum? no. the kid has never done anything but praise portland fans in interviews and you all call for his head. it's not like he's crawful talking to other teams pre game trying to figure out where he can go next year. kid has been a blazers his whole pro life and he's show us a lot of love.
